Console assembly

ABSTRACT

A console assembly includes: a storage module ( 16 ) having an interior compartment for holding items, an upper module ( 12 ) for storing items and a lower module ( 14 ) having a recess for holding items. The lower module ( 14 ) is connected to the storage module ( 16 ) in a track and translates across the opening into the interior compartment of the storage module ( 16 ) to selectively allow access to a portion thereof. The upper module ( 12 ) includes a storage area having a beverage holder and an ashtray. The upper module ( 12 ) is also connected to the storage module ( 16 ) in a track and translates independently and over the lower module ( 14 ) such that the upper module ( 12 ) can be located above the lower module ( 14 ) to provide an access to the interior compartment of the storage module ( 16 ) or the upper module ( 12 ) can be located away from the lower module ( 14 ) such that the upper module ( 12 ) and lower module ( 14 ) close the access to the interior compartment of the storage module ( 16 ). A latch module disposed in the upper module ( 12 ) holds the upper module ( 12 ) in position with respect to the storage module ( 16 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a console for storing or containingvarious items in a vehicle. More particular, the present inventionrelates to a reconfigurable, modular storage console having an easilyoperable latch mechanism.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Various types of storage containers are well known for use in a vehicleincluding as a center console. Vehicle storage containers and organizerscontinue to be very popular in all types of vehicles. One reason for theincrease in popularity is that storage containers afford a vehicledriver or passenger increased organization and utilization of interiorspace. Additionally, a storage console can add to driver and passengerconvenience and comfort since they can hold beverage cups, cans andbottles as well as numerous other types of objects, equipment, tools,gear and items. However, despite being aware of the above, vehicledesigners and manufacturers continue to provide very simple and basicstorage compartments.

It is common for a vehicle to have a single storage compartment,typically located in a center console positioned on the floor, andhaving a single door for accessing the interior of the storagecontainer. These types of console systems are relatively inaccessible orunusable, thereby undesirably preventing access to the items stored inthe containers by a driver or passenger within the passengercompartment. Thus, a driver or passenger seeking a particular item mustuse one entry into a single compartment storage container where itemsare stored one on top of another with little organization. Further, ifany item is set on top of the entry door, it must be moved before entrymay be made into the storage container's interior.

The above attributes of existing storage containers increase thelikelihood of not easily finding a particular item as well as thelikelihood of items in the container shifting during travel, which canlead to damage. While some solutions have provided for the inclusion ofa separately located cup-holder feature or pocket or even multiplecompartment consoles, these additions add to the size of the footprintof the storage container.

FEATURES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to improve a console assemblyfor a vehicle and to provide a console assembly that includes convenientand accessible storage compartments as well as a place to hold abeverage container and a useable work surface which all can bereconfigured to obtain advantageous results. The present inventionprovides a console assembly with a lower storage module and a traymounted within a track in the lower storage module and movable thereon.

The present invention further provides a console assembly with an upperstorage module mounted within a separate track in the lower storagemodule and movable with respect to the lower module and the tray whichincludes a latch member mounted on the upper module for selectivelymoving the upper module with respect to the lower module and the tray.

Additionally, the present invention provides a console assembly havingthe above advantages, and is capable of having an attractive, integratedappearance within the vehicle interior.

The console assembly accordingly to the present invention includes alower module for storing items, a tray mounted within a track in thelower module and movable thereon, an upper module mounted within asecond track and movable with respect to the lower module and the tray,and a latch member mounted on the upper module for selectively movingthe upper module with respect to the lower module and the tray.

The console assembly of the present invention has the advantage ofproviding multiple storage containers within a confined footprint whileallowing easy access and reconfiguration of the storage compartments andthe tray. The tray and upper module are selectively positionable toprovide access to the storage interior of the lower module. Further, theupper module is provided with storage area as well as beverage containerholder and a separate cover for the upper module. The cover for theupper module is also usable as a work surface when the upper module islocated proximal the rear of the console. This provide closer and moreconvenient access to the items to a driver or passenger of the vehicleas well as occupants of the rear of the vehicle. The console assemblycan be produced using known materials and processes.

The following description of the preferred embodiment is merelyexemplary in nature, and is in no way intended to limit the invention,any application of the invention or its uses. Accordingly, alternativesto the features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art after reviewing the present application, such alternativesfalling within the scope of the present invention if they fall withinthe scope of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following discussion and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the console assembly according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the console assembly according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the console assembly according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention in a third configuration;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the console assembly of a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the console assembly of apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the latch module of a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the console assembly of apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the track of a preferred embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the release member of the latch module of apreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial, sectional side view of the console assembly of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As generally shown in the FIGS. 1 through 11 and as best shown in FIGS.1, 2 and 11, the console assembly 10 of the preferred embodiment of theinvention includes an upper module 12, a lower module 14, a storagemodule 16, and a guide track 18. Although the console assembly 10 of theinvention is preferably located between a driver-side seat 20 and apassenger-side seat 22 of a vehicle interior 24, the console assembly 10may alternatively be located in other suitable locations within thevehicle interior 24.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper module 12, which functions toprovide an armrest surface and to contain particular objects, preferablyincludes a substrate member 26, an exterior member 28, and a slidemember 30. The substrate member 26, which functions as a base for theupper module 12, preferably includes a cupholder 32 and an ashtray 34.The substrate member 26 may alternatively include other cargocompartments, such as a coin slot or a cell phone slot. The substratemember 26 is preferably made from a stiff material, such as a plasticmaterial and from conventional methods, but may alternatively be madewith other suitable materials and from other suitable methods.

The exterior member 28 of the upper module 12, which functions to coverand decorate the substrate member 26, is preferably fastened to thesubstrate member 26 with multiple screws, but may alternatively befastened with other suitable devices, such as adhesives or snap-togetherparts. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior member 28 includes acupholder lid 36 and an ashtray lid 38 and functions as a writingsurface when the cupholder lid 36 is in the closed position. Thecupholder lid 36 and the ashtry lid 38 are preferably moveable from aclosed position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) and an open position (shown inFIG. 3). In the closed position, the cupholder lid 36 and ashtray lid 38effectively covers the cupholder 32 and the ashtray 34, while in theopen position, the cupholder lid 36 and ashtray lid 38 allow accessthrough the exterior member 28 to the cupholder 32 and the ashtray 34.In an, alternative embodiment, the exterior member 28 may include otherdevices, such as a coin slot lid or a cell phone slot lid. The exteriormember 28 is preferably made from a material pleasing to the eye and thehand, such as a fabric or leather material, and with conventionalmethods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable material andwith other suitable methods. Further, the exterior member 28 may beintegrally formed with the substrate member 26.

The slide member 30 of the upper module 12 functions to allow sliding ofthe upper module 12 on the guide track 18 relative to the storage module16. The slide member 30 is preferably fastened to the substrate member26 with multiple screws, but may alternatively be fastened with othersuitable devices, such as adhesive or snap-together parts. Further, theslide member 30 may be integrally formed with the upper module 12. Inthe preferred embodiment, the slide member 30 extends outwardly from thesubstrate member 26 to engage the guide track 18. In an alternativeembodiment, the slide member 30 may extend inwardly towards thesubstrate member 26 to engage a differently configured guide track. Theslide member 30 is preferably made from a material with an appropriatesurface friction, such as a plastic material, and with conventionalmethods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials andwith other suitable methods.

The lower module 14, which functions to cradle thin objects such asloose change, sunglasses and portable phones or other similar items,preferably includes a recessed portion 40, a slide portion 42, and asimple latch 44. The recessed portion 40 functions to prevent theseparticular objects from rolling out of or falling from the lower module14 during operation of the vehicle. The slide portion 42, like the slidemember 30 of the upper module 12, functions to allow sliding of thelower module 14 on the guide track 18 relative to the storage module 16.The slide portion 42 is preferably made from a material with anappropriate surface friction, such as a plastic material, and withconventional methods, but may alternatively be made from other suitablematerials and with other suitable methods. The simple latch 44 functionsto engage a portion of the storage module 16 and hold the lower module14 in the rearward position. The simple latch 44 is preferably made fromconventional materials and with conventional methods but mayalternatively be made from other suitable materials and with othersuitable methods.

The storage module 16, which functions to hold larger objects,preferably includes an interior compartment 46 and an exterior panel 48.The interior compartment 46 preferably includes a front section 50 and arear section 52. In the preferred embodiment, the interior compartment46 includes a storage partition 54 between the front section 50 and therear section 52 to divide the interior compartment 46 into distinctsections. In an alternative embodiment, the interior compartment 46 mayinclude multiple storage partitions, or may not include any storagepartitions. The interior compartment 46 preferably includes multipleslots 56 for compact discs or cassettes, but may alternatively includeother suitable devices. The interior compartment 46 is preferably madefrom a stiff material, such as a plastic material, and with conventionalmethods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials andwith other suitable methods.

The exterior panel 48 of the storage module 16, which functions to coverand decorate the interior compartment 46, is preferably fastened to theinterior compartment 46 with multiple screws, but may alternatively befastened with other suitable devices, such as adhesives or snap-togetherparts. The exterior panel 48 preferably includes a left section 58facing the driver-side seat, a right-section 60 facing thepassenger-side seat, and an end extension 62 facing in a rear direction.Preferably, the left section 58 and the right section 60 include mappockets 64 and the end section 62 includes a vent 66 and an electricaloutlet 68. Alternatively, the exterior panel 48 may include othersuitable devices. The exterior panel 48 is preferably made from amaterial pleasing to the eye and the hand, such as a fabric or leathermaterial, and with conventional methods, but may alternatively be madefrom other suitable materials and with other suitable methods.

The guide track 18 functions to allow independent sliding of the uppermodule 12 and the lower module 14 relative to the storage module 16. Theguide track 18 preferably includes a left track 70 and a right track 71shown in FIG. 8. Both the left track 70 and the right track arepreferably fastened to the storage module 16 with multiple screws, butmay alternatively be fastened with other suitable devices, such asadhesives or snap-together parts. Both the left track 70 and the righttrack preferably include an upper rail 72 and a lower rail 74. The upperrail 72 preferably engages the slide member 30 of the upper module 12,while the lower rail 74 preferably engages the slide portion 42 of thelower module 14. In this manner, the upper module 12 is slidable betweena forward position (shown in FIG. 1) and a rearward position (shown inFIG. 2), while the lower module 14 is slidable between a rearwardposition (shown in FIG. 1) and a forward position (shown in FIG. 2).Because the upper module 12 extends substantially upward from the slidemember 30 and because of the distance between the upper rail 72 and thelower rail 74, the upper module 12 and the lower module 14 are slidablerelative to each other. The guide track 18 is preferably made from astiff material, such as a plastic material, and with conventionalmethods, but may alternatively be made from other suitable materials andwith other suitable methods.

With the upper module 12 in the forward position and the lower module 14in the rearward position (shown in FIG. 1) or with the upper module 12in the rearward position and the lower module 14 in the forward position(shown in FIG. 2), the rear section 52 and the front section 50 of thestorage module 16 are concealed. To access the rear section 52 of thestorage module 16, both the upper module 12 and the lower module (hiddenunder the upper module) are moved to the forward position, as shown inFIG. 5. Likewise, to access the front section 50 of the storage module16, both the upper module 12 and the lower module 14 are moved to therearward position, as substantially shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 through 10, the console assembly 10 of thepreferred embodiment of the invention also includes a latch module 76.The latch module 76 functions to selectively hold the upper module 12 ina particular position along the guide track 18. The latch module 76preferably includes a latch member 80, and a release member 82.Alternatively, the left track 70 may be integrally formed with the righttrack. The guide track 18 is preferably made from a strong material,such as a metallic material, and with conventional methods, but mayalternatively be made from other suitable materials and with othersuitable methods.

The guide track 18 preferably includes a rearward notch 84 and a forwardnotch 86, but may alternatively include one or more notches in othersuitable locations. The particular location of the rearward notch 84 andthe forward notch 86 allow the upper module 12 to be selectively held inthe rearward position and the forward position. The latch member 80 ofthe latch module 76 functions to engage the rearward notch 84 and theforward notch 86 of the guide track 18. The latch member 80 preferablyincludes a mounting arm 88, an engaging arm 90, a biasing spring 92, anda large opening 94. The mounting arm 88 is preferably mounted to thesubstrate member 26 of the upper module 12 for rotational movement abouta peg 89 defining a first pivot axis 96. The engaging arm 90 preferablyextends downward through the upper module 12 towards the guide track 18.The latch member 80 is rotated about the first pivot axis 96 indirection A, when the pegs 89 are located in the sockets 27.

In a preferred embodiment, the biasing spring 92 of the latch module 76is a torsional spring and is located on the peg 89 adjacent the mountingarm 88 to bias the latch member 80 in direction A. In an alternativeembodiment, the biasing spring 92 may be a leaf spring or any othersuitable device located adjacent the engaging arm 90 or any othersuitable portion of the latch member 80. The latch member 80 ispreferably made from a strong material, such as a plastic material, andwith conventional methods, but may alternatively be made from othersuitable materials and with other suitable methods.

The release member 82 of the latch module 76, which functions todisengage the engaging arm 90 of the latch member 80 from the guidetrack 18, preferably includes mounting pegs 98, a first lever 100, asecond lever 102, a forward contact 104, and a rearward contact 106. Themounting pegs 98 are preferably mounted to the stand-offs 29 of thesubstrate, member 26 of the upper module 12 for rotational movementabout a second pivot axis 108. The first lever 100 and the second lever102 preferably extend outward from the release member 82, one in aforward direction and one in a rearward direction. When the releasemember 82 and the latch member 80 are mounted to the substrate member26, the release member 82 preferably extends through the large opening94 of the latch member 80 and the first lever 100 and the second lever102 preferably extend under the latch member 80. With this arrangement,if the release member 82 is rotated forward about the second pivot axis108 in direction B, then the second lever 102 moves direction C andraises the latch member 80 and disengages engaging arm 90 from therearward notch 84 of the guide track 18. Likewise, if the release member82 is rotated rearward about the second pivot axis 108 in direction D,then the first lever 100 moves in direction E and raises the latchmember 80 and disengages the engaging arm 90 from the notch 86 in guidetrack 18.

The forward contact 104 and the rearward contact 106 of the releasemember 82 function to provide ergonomic contact surfaces to rotate therelease member 82 forward and rearward about the second pivot axis 108and to slide the upper module 12 into a particular position along theguide track 18. In this manner, when the upper module 12 is in therearward position, a vehicle occupant may extend a thumb into therelease member 82 and push on the forward contact 104 therebydisengaging the latch member 80 from the guide track 18 and sliding theupper module 12 towards the forward position. Likewise, when the uppermodule 12 is in the forward position, the vehicle occupant may extendseveral fingers into the release member 82 and pull on the rearwardcontact 106 thereby disengaging the latch member 80 from the guide track18 and sliding the upper module 12 toward the rearward position. Thisfeature allows one-handed operation to disengage the latch module 76 andslide the upper module 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 1, boththe exterior panel 48 of the storage module 16 and the exterior member28 of the upper module 12 coordinate with a center protrusion 110 of aninstrument panel 112 of the vehicle interior 24. In this manner, theexterior panel 48 preferably extends to cover a portion of the centerprotrusion 110 of the instrument panel 112, while the exterior member 28provides a smooth transition with the center protrusion 110 of theinstrument panel 112. In other words, the console assembly 10 preferablymates with the instrument panel 112 of the vehicle and acts as anextension of the center protrusion 110 between the driver-side seat 20and the passenger-side seat 22. In an alternative embodiment, theconsole assembly 10 may mate with another suitable component of thevehicle interior 24.

The foregoing discloses and describes preferred embodiments of thepresent invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromsuch description, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, thatchanges and modifications can be made to the invention without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A console assembly for use in a passengercompartment in a vehicle, said console assembly comprising: an uppermodule having a first storage area; a lower module located with respectto said upper module, said lower module having a recess portion; astorage module located with respect to said upper module and said lowermodule, said storage module having an interior compartment having afirst portion of said interior compartment covered by said upper moduleand a second portion of said interior compartment covered by said lowermodule.
 2. The console assembly of claim 1, wherein said upper module islocated above said lower module and said lower module is located abovesaid interior compartment of said storage module and further whereinsaid first portion of said interior compartment of said storage moduleis the same as said second portion of said interior compartment of saidstorage module.
 3. The console assembly of claim 1, wherein said uppermodule is located above said lower module and said lower module islocated above said interior compartment of said storage module andfurther wherein said first portion of said interior compartment of saidstorage module does not overlap with said second portion of saidinterior compartment of said storage module.
 4. The console assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said interior compartment of said storage modulecomprises a partition defining said first portion and said secondportion of said interior compartment and further wherein said uppermodule can be reconfigured to cover one of said first portion and saidsecond portion and said lower module can separately be reconfigured tocover one of said first portion and said second portion.
 5. The consoleassembly of claim 4, wherein said upper module further comprises a latchmodule for selectively holding said upper module in a position withrespect to said storage module.
 6. The console assembly of claim 5,wherein said storage module comprises a first track for receiving saidupper module, said upper module translating along said first track andwith respect to said storage module and further wherein said latchmodule comprises a latch member integrated with said upper module andhaving an opening therein and a release member having a first contactlocation for releasing said latch member when a force is applied in adirection toward said first contact location and a second contactlocation spaced from said first contact location for releasing saidlatch member when a force is applied in a direction toward said secondcontact location.
 7. The console assembly of claim 6 wherein said latchmember comprises a first axis and said release member comprises a secondaxis angularly offset from said first axis of said latch member; whereinsaid release member is connected to said latch member such that rotationof said release member about said second axis causes said latch memberto rotate about said first axis.
 8. The console assembly of claim 1wherein the vehicle includes an instrument panel having a first edge,said upper module of said console assembly comprising a second edge,said first edge of said instrument panel and said second edge of saidconsole assembly being formed complementary.
 9. The console assembly ofclaim 4, wherein said first storage area of said upper module includesone of a beverage container holder, an ashtray, a cell phone holder or acoin slot.
 10. The console assembly of claim 4, wherein said storagemodule further includes a first side facing a direction toward adriver's side of the vehicle and a second side facing a passenger's sideof the vehicle, said storage module further comprising a map pocketlocated on said second side of said storage module.
 11. A consoleassembly, comprising: a storage module having an interior compartmentfor storing items, said storage module having a first track and a secondtrack; an upper module having a first storage area for storing items,said upper module located in said first track in said storage module,said upper module having a latch member for selectively holding saidupper member in position on said first track of said storage module; anda lower module located below said upper module, said lower module havinga recess portion for receiving items, said lower member located in saidsecond track in said storage module for movement therein.
 12. Theconsole assembly of claim 11, said upper module further comprising abeverage holder located in said first storage area, an ashtray locatedseparate from said first storage area; a first lid for covering saidfirst storage area and a second lid for covering said ashtray.
 13. Theconsole assembly of claim 11, wherein said first track of said storagemodule comprises a first track member having a first dwell and a seconddwell spaced from said first dwell; said latch module of said uppermodule comprises a release member having a first contact and a secondcontact positioned opposite said first contact, each of said first andsecond contacts activating said release member to allow said uppermodule to move along said first track member between said first dwelland said second dwell when a force is applied.
 14. The console assemblyof claim 13, wherein said latch module comprises a latch member havingan arm for engaging one of said first dwell and said second dwell and afirst pivot axis offset from said arm; and further wherein said releasemember has a first lever extending in a first direction, a second leverextending in a second direction and second pivot axis located betweensaid first lever and said second lever, said second pivot axis of saidrelease member offset from said first contact and said second contact ofsaid release member, said release member connected to said latch membersuch that rotation of said release member about said second pivot axiscauses rotation of said latch member about said first pivot axis. 15.The console assembly of claim 14, wherein said latch module furthercomprises a biasing member for biasing said arm of said latch memberabout said first pivot axis of said latch member.